Discover Fuengirola: Another Gem on the Costa del Sol

Welcome to Fuengirola! This lovely coastal town in southern Spain is located in the Andalusia region, part of the Costa del Sol. 

It's just 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of Málaga. Fuengirola is famous for its long, gorgeous beaches, making it a popular destination for tourists looking for sun, sea, and a relaxed atmosphere.

• Fuengirola is a must-visit destination in Costa del Sol, Spain.
  
• This lively city attracted over 306,000 tourists in 2023 alone (According to the International Tourism Statistics for Andalucía).
  
• It has stunning beaches, a vibrant nightlife and rich cultural experiences.

Fuengirola is an unquestionably gorgeous coastal town that has grown up around a small fishing village.

In this article, we will show you what makes the town special: its vibrant location, delightful weather, captivating attractions, and hidden gems.

Join us on this exciting virtual trip and experience the Andalucian essence!

Fuengirola is a municipality on the central coast of Málaga, Andalucia, Spain.

Nestled in the western Costa del Sol, it boasts a narrow 10.37 km² coastal strip with stunning beaches stretching 8 kilometres. 

With an average altitude of just 5 metres above sea level, this urbanised town boasts a population of 85,598 as of 2023, making it the fourth most populated municipality in the province.

Just 7 kilometres along the Mediterranean, Fuengirola is a delightfully compact town. 

Its development is centred around the seafront promenade, which backs onto its gorgeous grey sand beaches.

Even though it looks quite dense and built-up, Fuengirola has lots of lovely green areas & golf clubs, with parks all over the place.

Fuengirola is the perfect blend of coastal charm and urban convenience, situated just 20.5 Miles (33km) southwest of Malaga city in Andalucia, Spain. 

It is bordered by Benalmadena to the northeast, Mijas to the north, west, and southwest, with the Alboran Sea to the east and south. 

The town's coastline is flat, sitting between 0 and 5 metres above sea level, with the exception of the hilly northern neighbourhoods of Los Pacos, Torreblanca, Yeseras, and Carvaja

Fuengirola is 20.5 Miles or 33 kilometres from Marbella, exactly the same distance as Malaga (seats in the middle).

Fuengirola is actually in the middle of the following small towns:

• Benalmádena - 9.9 Miles (16 km.)
• Mijas Costa - 5.0 Miles (8 km.)
• Mijas Pueblo - 4.3 Miles (7 km.)
• Torremolinos - 12.4 Miles (20 km.)

The distance from Gibraltar is 68 Miles or 110 km.

Whether you're visiting from abroad or are already in Spain, you'll find all the information you need here.

We'll cover flights, trains, buses and car routes to ensure you have a smooth journey to this beautiful coastal town.

Fuengirola does not have its own airport, so visitors from abroad should fly into Malaga Airport (AGP). 

From there, you can easily reach Fuengirola by taking a transfer. More about the options follow:

Options include Uber, Cabify, Local Taxis or Public Transport such as the metro or bus. 

If you book a hotel with a shuttle, the transfer is sure to be painless and more comfortable. 

In this article we have listed the best hotels in Fuengirola that offer airport shuttle services. 

• Train: Once you've landed at Malaga Airport (AGP), you can simply take the C1 train line to Fuengirola, with a journey time of about 35 minutes (12 stops). Link to the route here.
• Bus: You can reach Fuengirola by taking the Avanza L-501 bus, which includes a quick transfer and takes about 20 minutes longer than the train. Start at "Aeropuerto - Llegadas" and enjoy a comfortable ride to the Fuengirola bus terminal.
  
  
  • M-113 route
  • Avanza L-501 route

• Car: The quickest way to get to Fuengirola from Malaga airport is by car, approximately 20 minutes (14 miles). You can rent a car directly at the airport (just go to the public car park, level 0). This option is the quickest but also the most expensive.

Driving direction from Malaga to Fuengirola.

• Malaga City Centre - Fuengirola: The most convenient way to get to Fuengirola from Malaga city centre is to take the C1 train from the first station: Málaga-Centro-Alameda, with trains every 20 minutes and a journey time of 47 minutes.

The journey is straightforward and offers a scenic route with 16 stops (Aeropuerto is somewhere in the middle) as shown in the picture below, including other towns such as Torremolinos and Benalmadena.

There are 4 train stations in Fuengirola:

• Carvajal
• Torreblanca
• Los Boliches
• Estación de Fuengirola (Last Stop)
  

i: More information about the exact train schedule on the official website of Renfe. 

• Renfe call center: (+34) 912 320 320
• C1 Málaga-Fuengirola: (+34) 952 128 079

Fuengirola has it all when it comes to hotels. You'll find everything from budget-friendly 1-star accommodation to luxurious 5-star stays, mostly situated along the coastal part with stunning sea views and easy beach access. 

We have prepared a list of the top 9 hotels in Fuengirola in this article. 

👇Here is one of the best hotels on our list that offers free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, an outdoor pool, beach access, is pet and child friendly and has an airport shuttle: 

Hotel Ilunion Fuengirola is a luxury hotel on Fuengirola's seafront promenade, overlooking Los Boliches beach. Couples rate the location highly, giving it a 4.2 star rating on Google with over 2,922 reviews! 

Highlights: 

📍Location: It's just 300 metres from the train station, with trains to Málaga Airport, 20 km away. Fuengirola centre is a 10-minute walk.

🪩Amenities: restaurant, swimming pool, bar

🏨Rooms: soundproof rooms, tea/coffee facilities, most come with a balcony

AquaMijas is the ultimate waterpark in Fuengirola. It boasts a wave pool, slides, a kids' play area, lounge chairs, snack bars, and lockers.

It's just 5 minutes from Fuengirola Center and conveniently located near the highway A-7, making it accessible from Mijas and Benalmadena.

📣Good to know:

*Online tickets are valid from the next day.

*Free floats available

*Free parking, including disabled spaces.

*Cab stand at the gate. 

*Celebrate special events.

Exact location of Aquamijas waterpark.

For complete information, ticket prices and discounts you can visit Aquamijas Official webpage.

BioParc Fuengirola is a zoo with animals and birds in naturalistic enclosures, a simulated jungle clearing and a children's play area. 

Open daily, with extended hours in July and August from 10am to 11pm, it's located near the Plaza de España, just 800 metres from Fuengirola train station and a 10-minute walk from the central beach.

Exact location here.

Ticket prices are £24.50 for adults, £18 for children (3-9 years) and senior citizens (+65), £13 for people with disabilities and free for children under 3.

📣Good to know:

* Alfil Parking offers a 50% discount to BioParc customers

* Pets are not allowed in the park, except for guide and assistance dogs.

To find out more about discounts and combination tickets, visit the official BioParc website.

Sould Park Fuengirola is the most popular amusement park in the area and is part of a chain with locations in Valencia, Granada, Malaga, and Alicante. 

Fuengirola is the only city to host two parks: one at Fuengirola port and another at Miramar Fuengirola. 

Top attractions include trampolines, jumping, bouncy castles, duck fishing, a shooting room, balloon carousel and many more.

It's also the ideal venue for celebrating birthdays!

The town has evolved from a fishing village to a tourist centre, with a significant expatriate population. 

With a rich history dating back to ancient civilisations, Fuengirola has several important monuments:

• Sohail Castle (Castillo Sohail): Built on a small hill 38m above sea level on the banks of the River Fuengirola, this 10th-century Muslim castle hosts events such as the Oktoberfest and the Medieval Market. It's also home to the Marenostrum Music Festival, which features major artists.

i: Sohail castle is closed for events from June 13 to September 16 including

However, one of the highlights when you visit Fuengirola in September is exploring the historic Moorish Castle.

The pleasant weather, with its average temperature and low chance of rain, makes it an excellent time to wander through this iconic site without the intense summer heat.

• The Roman site of the Secretary's Estate: An unquestionably important historical landmark, located just 400 metres from Los Boliches train station and the beach. This small archaeological site features ancient Roman buildings. Despite its size, the ruins are highly visited, enhanced by the natural environment that makes it a pleasant walk for families and friends.
  

Café Nomad is an ideal spot for digital nomads looking for a comfortable place to work. 

With free Wi-Fi and a cosy, casual atmosphere, it's easy to settle in for a productive day. 

The cafe offers a variety of seating options, including wheelchair-accessible seating and outdoor areas perfect for getting some fresh air while you work. 

You can also enjoy a range of healthy, vegan and organic food options, as well as excellent coffee and refreshing drinks. 

Whether you need a quick bite or a longer meal, Café Nomad provides a welcoming environment where you can focus on your work and enjoy the vibrant surroundings of Fungirola Promenade.

The public beaches are really well looked after, with lots of beach bars (chiringuitos), water attractions and special lifeguard services during the summer to keep you safe.

There's even a Dog beach with designated area with showers and a drinking fountain, so it's perfect for all beachgoers!

Our favorite spot, Fuengirola's central public beach, is exceptionally clean and perfect for a day out. 

Located in the heart of the city, it's easily accessible and the second longest beach at 1,650 meters with fine, golden sand. 

The beach is well-equipped with showers (may be out of service in 2024 due to draughts in Spain), toilets, a children's area, and several beach bars. 

Google Maps Location.

Los Boliches is a fantastic beach that we're sure you'll love! 

Just a 4-minute walk from the train station, this urban beach is the perfect place for a clean, family-friendly day out with calm Mediterranean waters. 

It has restaurants, supermarkets, and a nearby parking area (Parking Paseo Maritimo). 

In August, it's bustling with visitors, featuring hammocks, lifeguards, and comprehensive services.

Link to Los Boliches Beach here.

If walking is your thing, there's a scenic route that takes you from Fuengirola to Benalmádena, with stunning views of the Alboran Sea.

The route is 12.2 kilometres long and takes about 2 hours and 48 minutes to complete. Start in Fuengirola and head northeast towards Av. Alcalde Clemente Díaz Ruiz. This route offers a perfect mix of leisurely walking and stunning coastal scenery.

Experienced hikers and runners can take a more challenging route up Castillo Colomares, through Benalmádena Pueblo, and down to Benalmádena.

This 14.6 km trek takes about 3 hours and offers coastal and hillside scenery.

Fuengirola is absolutely perfect for both home and residence and vacation! 

The lovely town of Fuengirola is home to 85,136 people as of 2023, with around 30% of residents coming from outside the area.

Every year, around half a million tourists choose Fuengirola as their holiday destination, with over half being international visitors and around 170,000 Spanish residents. 

This vibrant town offers a wonderful blend of local charm and international appeal, making it a top choice for living and vacationing.

The world's largest cost of living database, Numbeo, confirms that Fuengirola offers an excellent quality of life, with a very high Climate Index (96.89) and a low Pollution Index (39.66). 

The Health Care Index is high at 66.67, ensuring excellent medical services. 

Safety is moderate, while the Traffic Commute Time Index is very low, making daily travel convenient. 

Property prices are affordably priced, with a Property Price to Income Ratio of 9.34, enhancing the overall living experience.

Fuengirola offers the best in vibrant living, with easy beach access and 300 sunny days a year. 

Fuengirola is the perfect place to embrace a leisurely lifestyle, with traditional Spanish siestas, lively fiestas, and dancing. 

Its streets are filled with cafes, restaurants, and tapas bars, perfect for socialising and enjoying the local cuisine.

Whether you're looking to relax or engage in outdoor activities, Fuengirola is the ideal destination.

In general, Fuengirola is a safe place to visit, especially during the day. The town is bustling with friendly locals and tourists enjoying its many attractions. 

However, as a nightlife hotspot, it attracts many young people looking for fun, which can sometimes lead to rowdy behaviour and minor incidents.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas to avoid pickpockets and stay in well-lit, populated areas at night.

Although there are occasional reports of car accidents involving less responsible drivers, taking care when crossing roads and using reliable transport can help to reduce this risk.

Overall, Fuengirola offers a welcoming environment with plenty to see and do. By being aware and taking basic precautions, you can safely enjoy all that this charming city has to offer.

Fuengirola is unquestionably rich in cultural events and activities. 

The city proudly hosts the Marenostrum Fuengirola, a top music festival at Sohail Castle featuring global artists like Jennifer Lopez and Bob Dylan. 

The International Fair of Countries is the place to experience the culture, food, and traditions of over 30 countries. 

The Peace Palace is the destination for concerts, theatre, and exhibitions. 

During Christmas, the city is transformed with lights, carols, and festive activities, including a grand New Year's Eve party and the Three Kings' Gala.

Fuengirola's dining scene is firmly rooted in Mediterranean seafood traditions. 

You simply have to try the espetos, a Spanish tradition of grilling sardines over an open flame; the gazpachuelo, a comforting Spanish soup; and the fritura malagueña, a variety of fried fish.

These dishes reflect the region's rich culinary heritage and are a must-try for any visitor.

Paseo Marítimo in Fuengirola is the beating heart of the city's nightlife and entertainment scene! 

Stretching along the gorgeous coastline, this lively promenade is lined with an amazing array of bars, clubs, and restaurants, each offering a totally unique experience.

You can enjoy a shisha, catch live music events or even visit a strip club!
As the sun sets, the area comes alive with vibrant lights and music, attracting both locals and tourists. 

You can enjoy a leisurely stroll while sipping cocktails, dance the night away in trendy clubs, or savor delicious local and international cuisine in one of the many beachfront eateries.

If you're looking for some incredible places to visit, look no further! 

These amazing spots have above 4-star ratings on Google and many positive reviews.

• Los Brothers Fuengirola
• Christy's Irish Gastropub Fuengirola
• Hollywood Café-Pub
• Panda Cocktail Bar Fuengirola

Get ready for some of the best live events bars around!

• Pogs The Old Irish Pub
• Cafe Teatro by Ocean Drive
• Groove Bar

Have a look at the videos and pictures uploaded by other visitors (Google Maps) to see if it is your music style! You never know, you might just find your new favourite artist! 

Fuengirola has a Mediterranean climate, which means hot, sunny summers and mild, rainy (too rare in 2023/2024) winters.

As locals and frequent visitors, we recommend going before the crowds and after they have left. From June to September you will have perfect weather, fewer tourists and more opportunities to explore. 

Tips for the different seasons:

• Pack light, airy clothing and plenty of sunscreen for the scorching summer months. 

• Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures perfect for exploring. 

• Don't forget a light jacket for the evenings, and if visiting in winter, bring layers as temperatures can vary. 

All 12 months of the year the weather is perfect for water sports such as surfing, jet skiing and paddle boarding. Golfers will also be delighted with the weather throughout the year.  

With its golden beaches, lively atmosphere and rich culture, it's no wonder this coastal town is a favourite with British holidaymakers.

What to do: Soak up the sun on Fuengirola's stunning beach, explore the historic Sohail Castle or discover the wonders of Bioparc Fuengirola, a unique zoo experience. For families, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained, from water parks to amusement arcades.

Where to stay: Fuengirola has a fantastic range of hotels to suit all budgets. Whether you're looking for luxury or affordability, you'll find the perfect accommodation. Popular choices include Hotel Angela, Hotel Monarque Fuengirola Park, Hotel El Puerto, Hotel Yaramar, Leonardo Hotel, Hotel Ilunion, Pyr Hotel, Hotel Florida and Hotel Las Palmeras.

Why choose Fuengirola? Enjoy delicious tapas, explore charming markets and experience the warm hospitality of the locals. With easy access to Malaga Airport and excellent transport links, Fuengirola is your gateway to an unforgettable Spanish holiday.